Senior Space Radar Engineer – SAR & RF Systems

rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior RF Radar Engineer I to lead the technical development of radar and RF systems for space applications, including SAR and space-based radar payloads. The role demands hands-on radar testing, architecture decisions, and coordination with cross-functional spacecraft teams.

You will shape radar system design, evaluate orbital effects on performance, and drive calibration strategies for flight platforms in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or aerospace engineering.
• 5+ years of relevant space radar experience.
• Hands-on experience with space-based radar systems and mission operations.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft subsystems.
• Experience with RF systems and link budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of space-based radar systems architecture, prototyping, integration and flight development.
• Define radar performance requirements and link budgets for orbital scenarios.
• Design radar waveforms and assess processing architectures for space platforms.
• Conduct radar calibration, testing and validation for spaceborne systems.
• Collaborate with RF, digital, mechanical, thermal and software teams.

Skills

Space radar

RF system design

Waveform design

Orbital mechanics

Link budgets

Systems engineering

Education

Bachelor's in electrical or aerospace engineering

Tools

MATLAB

STK

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior RF Radar Engineer I to lead the technical development of radar and RF systems for space applications, including SAR and space-based radar payloads. The role demands hands-on radar testing, architecture decisions, and coordination with cross-functional spacecraft teams.

You will shape radar system design, evaluate orbital effects on performance, and drive calibration strategies for flight platforms in a fast-paced environment.